Ch.108The Saint Is Dangerous (3)

Several days later, I finally regained my strength.

It was perfect timing, as I had been feeling restless anyway.

‘My regular power has definitely increased quite a bit.’

Through this recent incident, my level had ultimately risen to 48, allowing me to handle fairly powerful magic even without releasing my seal.

Of course, it’s still woefully insufficient, but with my techniques added, I could now compete with S-rank hunters in normal conditions.

Barring any special circumstances, I should be able to receive proper recognition in the upcoming rank reassessment.

“…It’s going too smoothly, which makes me uneasy.”

I clutched my pillow with a blank expression and rolled around on the bed.

While good things were good, I’d been through so many incidents that it was hard to accept this without suspicion.

If I were recognized as an S-rank hunter, I could get permission to challenge dungeons alone to raise my level, which would allow me to grow much faster than before.

Everything was going well, yet I felt strangely unsettled.

“It’s all because of those Hades bastards.”

Come to think of it, it’s not strange that I feel uneasy when there are still unresolved matters.

Honestly, I had expected them to take advantage of the dungeon incident in America to carry out that ritual, but whether due to Helena’s interference or something else, they hadn’t shown any movement.

‘Or perhaps all their preparations aren’t complete yet?’

That was entirely possible. No, that was probably the most likely explanation.

As I was lost in thought, Gordon, who had been watching me cautiously, sent me a telepathic message.

– Is there really any need to worry so seriously? They’re like candles in the wind before you, Master.

“Didn’t I tell you not to speak for a month?”

Of course, Gordon wasn’t wrong. Honestly, there wouldn’t be many who could challenge me when I could draw up to 40% of my peak power through necromancy.

However, Lee Jichul had previously mentioned that the leader of Hades, who was also a necromancer, likely knew about my past.

If so, wasn’t he being overconfident despite knowing my former glory?

That was definitely something to keep an eye on.

‘…Thinking about it just gives me a headache.’

Helena said she would contact me once she figured out their movements, so for now, all I could do was wait.

Clack.

Thud.

As I was lying stretched out on the bed, the window suddenly opened, and a cold breeze slapped against my body.

It was Chae Hwain returning from her visit to Chae Hwaryeon’s house.

“…You’ve regained your strength.”

“It’s been a week.”

“Are you planning to level up again now?”

“Of course I am.”

Come to think of it, I suddenly became curious and asked Chae Hwain about her level when she was human. She answered nonchalantly.

“The last time I checked, it was 72. I don’t know what it is now.”

“……”

I had guessed she was strong from what I’d seen, but that was indeed high. At that level, she certainly would have had no equal seven years ago.

‘So with talent, one can become that strong through simple awakening.’

As I’ve mentioned before, unprecedented energy is increasingly gathering on this Earth. But conversely, that means it was harder to become strong seven years ago than it is now.

Despite that, she achieved such growth, so if Chae Hwain hadn’t died and were still alive, she might have reached an even higher level by now.

‘Which means that if there are others with talent like Chae Hwain, they could reach similar levels.’

If several such individuals were to gather, I might not be able to guarantee victory even with 40% of my peak power.

It was somewhat far-fetched, but it meant I shouldn’t let my guard down completely.

‘In that case, those so-called Seven Stars are also concerning.’

Seven hunters who are considered special even among S-ranks. If my guess is correct, they’re likely similar cases to Chae Hwain.

In other words, if multiple members of the Seven Stars gathered, they could potentially pose a threat even to me now.

That was truly displeasing.

“…I really need to level up more.”

As I was grumbling face-down on my pillow, a notification was delivered to me.

It was the schedule for a test to confirm my S-rank qualifications.

#

“Hello. I’m Rodrick Coleman from the International Awakened Response Agency, and I’ll be assisting with your assessment today.”

“Right. But is this measurement really necessary? It seems bothersome.”

“Rules are rules. I appreciate your cooperation.”

Well, either way, I didn’t mind as long as I could obtain S-rank qualification.

I came to the Awakened Center in Gangnam, Seoul for the test and soon followed Rodrick and a staff member to the measurement room.

There were already some guests who had arrived before me.

“It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Choi Hanmin?”

“It’s Choi Hamin. Did you forget my name already?”

Choi Hamin, known as Geumgang in public, an S-rank hunter from Korea with a returner background.

I had seen him before when I accompanied Seoha to an international event at a hotel.

And another familiar face was waiting in the observation room.

No wonder she had left in a hurry this morning.

“Hello. Nice to see you again.”

“…If this was the case, couldn’t we have just come together?”

“I had some preparations to make separately.”

Yesiel, the Saint from France who came to Korea to monitor me. She seemed to be visiting the center as an observer.

‘Indeed, for special recognition, two S-rank hunters need to testify to the results.’

So those two would be the witnesses to verify my measurement results.

“Since everyone here is busy, let’s start without delay.”

Though it was a bit troublesome, I was genuinely curious about how S-rank measurements were conducted.

I nodded and proceeded with the formal measurement following Rodrick’s instructions.

And to be honest, the content itself wasn’t particularly special.

‘It really does feel like just a formality.’

Perhaps my case was special. After all, I had already proven my abilities to numerous hunters during the incident in America.

Anyway, after completing all the tests, Rodrick approached me and spoke.

“Thank you for your cooperation. With these results, there should be no problem with your rank assignment.”

“Good.”

“If I may ask, did you hold back some of your power during the test?”

“Y-yes, something like that.”

Well, if he knew about my display of power in America, my current performance would seem lacking in many ways.

But it couldn’t be helped. There was no need to tamper with my seal for something like this.

I received all the necessary information and was about to head home without further delay.

During that time, a question popped into my mind, and I called out to Choi Hamin.

“What’s your level?”

“73. The highest in Korea.”

“Impressive.”

As expected of someone with a returner background.

Indeed, 73 was higher than Chae Hwain’s level when she was alive. Though I felt Chae Hwain would be slightly stronger now, Choi Hamin probably wouldn’t be far behind.

I nodded and asked him my main question.

“So how do you compare to those Seven Stars?”

“Seven Stars? Why suddenly…?”

“Just curious.”

At my question, Choi Hamin thought for a moment before carefully continuing.

“I haven’t really had much interaction with them. Most of them aren’t very active to begin with. But I do remember meeting one of them in person.”

“…And how was it?”

His answer was surprisingly straightforward acknowledgment.

“They’re definitely strong. At least stronger than me.”

“……”

“Whether the difference is overwhelming or not, I can’t say without actually fighting them.”

If Choi Hamin said this, then the abilities of those seven must be genuine.

To be stronger than an S-rank hunter with a returner background—it gave me mixed feelings as someone who had worked so hard to gain power.

‘I have a feeling I’ll be facing them sometime soon.’

While they were basically on humanity’s side, human affairs are unpredictable, and we might end up in conflict.

It would be better to gather information and prepare mentally for such a possibility.

After chatting with Choi Hamin a bit more, I felt sleep coming on and headed home.

And that evening.

“So one of the Seven Stars is your master and is coming here now?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I just received the news suddenly myself…”

I couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on as I listened to Yesiel, who had suddenly appeared at my door.